Dorothy A. Smith, age 85, of 8 Park Avenue; Gladstone, died Thursday afternoon, September 14th, 2006, at St. St. Francis Hospital where she was a patient for the previous 2 weeks.
Dorothy was born February 28th, 1921 in Jamaica, New York, the daughter of Joseph and Dora (Schweithelm) Dallara and was raised there. On December 11th, 1945, she married Olen L. Smith and they relocated to Muskegon, Michigan in 1945 where they raised their family. After her children were raised, Dorothy began her college education with Western Michigan University and obtained a teaching degree. She mainly taught 5th grade classes for the Duck Creek School System for approximately 10 years until retiring in 1978. She and her husband, Olen, settled in the Gladstone area in 1986.
Dorothy had a variety of interests and hobbies, with decoupage as one of her primary interests. In addition, she enjoyed photography, flower gardening, dancing, playing cards, and traveling.
Her family was so proud of her determination in life. Not only with continuing her education later in life after her family was raised, but most importantly, with the fortitude, courage, and the uncomplaining attitude she had displayed with the Parkinson’s illness and its effects that afflicted her. Dorothy was truly an inspiration to those who knew her.
In addition to her husband, Olen, Dorothy A. Smith’s survivors include:
1 Son- Steven Smith of Cedar River, MI
1 Daughter- Karen Smith of North Dakota
1 Sister- Ardele Zegel of Oakdale, New York
2 Grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law, Carol “Lee” Smith in 2002, 3 Brothers- Charles, Joseph, and William Dallara, 2 Sisters- Carrie O’Neil and Lillie O’ Brian
The family of Dorothy A. Smith will receive friends on Monday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A celebration of her life conducted by her family with loving thoughts and remembrances will follow on Monday at the Skradski Funeral Home. The family respectfully requests memorials in her behalf be directed to Parkinson’s research. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Homes of Delta County who are assisting the Smith family.
